Operation Manual

4Chapter 1: Guide to Safe On-and-Off Road Operation
Checklist: Check Before Each Ride
This is not a full maintenance program.
Examine the Frame and Fork
Before and after each ride, examine all of your
bicycle for signs of fatigue stress:
• Dents • Cracks
• Scratches • Deformation
• Discoloration • Unusual noises
Bicycles are not indestructible, and their parts
will not last forever. If your use of a bicycle
increases the forces on it through hard riding,
difficult conditions, or increased mileage, you
should replace your bicycle or its parts more
frequently than riders who ride less or ride
smoothly and carefully. The safe life of a part
is determined by its construction, materials,
use, maintenance, rider weight, speed, terrain,
maintenance, and environment (humidity,
salinity, temperature, etc.)—so it is not possible
to give an accurate timetable for replacement.
If you are not sure if you should replace a part,
speak to your dealer.
A major impact is anything that causes you
to fall from your bike. It is not uncommon in
a major impact for the bicycle or its parts to
have damage. A minor impact, where you hit an
obstacle without falling from your bike, can still
place high stresses on your bicycle. After any
impact, if your bicycle behaves in an unusual
manner or you hear a noise, immediately stop
the bicycle and identify the problem. Always
inspect the bicycle thoroughly before riding the
bicycle again.
In some cases, a lighter frame or part
has a longer life than heavier ones. But
better maintenance, more frequent
inspections, and more frequent replacement
are necessary for light-weight, high-
performance bicycles and parts.
If Your Frame or Fork has a Problem,
Stop Your Bicycle
Frame problems are not common, but as an
example, some riders could get a “shimmy” or
“harmonic oscillation” or “frame wobble” at
some speeds. If you get a shimmy or any other
problem, decrease your speed immediately and
do not ride the bicycle. Transport your bicycle
directly to a dealer for inspection and repair.
FIGURE 2:
Toe-clip overlap
WARNING: A frame or fork problem
could decrease your control and cause
you to fall. If your bicycle gets a
shimmy or any other problem,
decrease your speed immediately.
Transport your bicycle to your dealer
for inspection and repair.
Examine Your Bicycle Before Each Ride
The checklist that follows shows critical areas
for you to examine. If a part of your bicycle
does not have the correct function, use the
instructions in this manual to repair your
bicycle or transport your bicycle to your dealer
for repair. Do not ride a bicycle with a part that
is damaged; replace the part.
WARNING: A bicycle that does not
operate correctly can decrease your
control and cause you to fall. Fully
examine all of your bicycle before
each ride, and do not ride your bicycle
until you correct any problem.